The
UN Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Annan, presented
on June 6th, 2006 his report
on International Migration and Development. Mr. Annan says
that “the advantages that migration brings are not as well
understood as they should be.” The report argues that international
migration, supported by the right policies, can be highly beneficial
for the development both of the countries of origin and of destination
of migrants. But it also stresses that these benefits are contingent
on the rights of the migrants themselves being respected and upheld.
In the report, Mr. Annan proposes the creation of a standing forum
led by all 191 Member States which governments could use to share
ideas and discuss best practices and policies related to international
migration and how this phenomenon ties in with global development.
This forum would allow Governments to continue the debate, the
sharing of experience, and the exchange of ideas that will start
with the High-Level
Dialogue on International Migration and Development to be
held on 14 and 15 September 2006 in New York at UN Headquarters
during the sixty-first session of the UN General Assembly.
The purpose of the
high-level dialogue is to discuss the multidimensional aspects
of international migration and development in order to identify
appropriate ways and means to maximize its development benefits
and minimize its negative impacts. Additionally, the high-level
dialogue will have a strong focus on policy issues, including
the challenge of achieving the internationally agreed development
goals, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Thank you for your
attention.
Contact:
Paul de Guchteneire
UNESCO
Head International Migration Section
1, rue Miollis
75015 Paris, FRANCE
Tel. +33 145683850
Fax. +33 145685724
Email: p.deguchteneire@unesco.org
Web: www.unesco.org/migration
